English should be a tool to broaden opportunities, not to widen social disparities – PM Harini

Teaching English as a language should serve as a means to broaden opportunities, not as a tool to create social disparities, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stated.

The Prime Minister has also said the present government is ready to implement practical English teaching approaches through the upcoming education reforms.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Sri Lanka Education Conference 2025, organized by the British Council in Colombo.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for wide-ranging cooperation to build an inclusive and equitable education system aligned with future needs.

Therefore, the Premier noted that the government is in need of the support of national and provincial government officials, Ministry of Education representatives, development partners, private sector stakeholders, teachers, and school leaders.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

“The primary goal of the new initiative is to ensure fair access to English education by creating opportunities for all students, fostering inclusivity, and promoting quality. Key aspects include empowering teachers and institutions, strengthening English-medium instruction, and enhancing digital tools for innovation and learning.

“It must be brought to attention that how every student in Sri Lanka should be prepared for the advancing future. I strongly believe that we must move away from the mindset of ’being enslaved by the English language’ and instead promote it as a socially beneficial tool.

“Learning the English language should be promoted as a means of expanding opportunities, not as a contributor to social disparities. It is important to ensure that access to English education is not determined by social class, geography, or family background, and should ensure that everyone is provided with equal opportunities.

“The government plans to introduce new education reforms in 2026, and within them, the English language will not merely be treated as an exam subject. Instead, students will be encouraged to actively use the language through speaking and writing skills.

“It is important that the teachers also play an active role in reducing students’ anxiety around language use, and students should be encouraged to understand that being understood by others or foreigners is sufficient when speaking English. The assessment methods for English should also be revised. These aspects are considered key components of the upcoming education reforms.
“Plans are also in place to strengthen teacher education systems, enhance pre-service and in-service training, modernize curricula, and implement continuous professional development programs to equip teachers for delivering the new syllabi effectively.”